Cargo handler dnata’s new facility at Schiphol Airport has been facing “operational challenges” during the initial transition from the previous building.
In an operational update, the handler said that it had faced a significant increase in import volumes as a result of the transition to its new dnata Cargo City Amsterdam facility, which has created the challenges.
The handler is hoping to quickly resolve the issues and has been deploying extra staff and looking at processes and systems.
A dnata spokesperson said: “We are currently managing some significant challenges during the transition to our new Amsterdam Schiphol cargo facility, which have unfortunately resulted in service disruptions.
"We are working closely with our partners to address these as a priority and are taking all necessary steps to bring the facility to full operational capacity as quickly and efficiently as possible. This includes enhancing systems and processes and deploying additional staff from our international network to support stabilisation efforts.
"We do appreciate the support and patience of our customers and the wider cargo community. We remain confident that the new facility will soon meet expectations and become one of the most advanced cargo hubs in the region.
"In the meantime, we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
To help ease the situation, some cargo is being temporarily moved to other handlers at the airport.
Singapore Airlines has informed customers that import cargo has been temporarily moved to Swissport in order to help alleviate congestion and improve turnaround times.
Air Cargo Netherlands (ACN) said that several meetings have been held in recent days to explore how cargo flows can be temporarily diverted outside the dnata building.
”ACN and several industry stakeholders are actively involved in these discussions and the development of potential solutions,” the air cargo group said.
“Customs has also joined the discussion, which is important, as their approval is required for certain aspects of the proposed cargo flow relocations.”
ACN added: ”This step is essential to prevent cargo flows from being diverted to other airports.”
The new state-of-the-art cargo facility began operations in July.
The facility will be able to process more than 850,000 tonnes of cargo a year and is equipped with automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) for flexible, scalable ULD movements within the terminal.
It also offers full air waybill (AWB) control across the facility. Operations will be centrally managed through dnata’s Cargo Control Centre, with live process visibility for real-time coordination.
Smart gates will automatically record the volume and weight of all incoming consignments using 3D scanning and a fork-lift guidance system is expected to support the optimised movement of cargo within the warehouse.
